Though the Norwegian visitors briefly dampened the party, a Rasmus Hojlund brace secured a memorable European victory in Amorim’s first home game as United’s manager. This followed a 1-1 draw with Ipswich in his Premier League debut.
Despite sitting in an underwhelming 12th place in the league, United are just three points off sixth-placed Tottenham. Their form at Old Trafford remains a bright spot they’ve won five of their last six games at home across all competitions, scoring multiple goals in each victory.
However, United’s season has been a mixed bag, with just 13 goals scored and 13 conceded in the league—the lowest goal total of any Premier League side so far. Everton, under Sean Dyche, are struggling even more in attack. The Toffees haven’t scored in their last three league games, drawing blanks against Southampton, West Ham, and Brentford.
Last weekend, Everton failed to take advantage of a first-half red card for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard, settling for a second consecutive 0-0 draw. They’ve now gone four games without a league win, sitting in 15th place, just two points above the relegation zone.
If Everton manage another goalless draw on Sunday, it would be a rare feat—they’ve only played out three consecutive 0-0 league games once before, back in 1982. However, history isn’t on their side.
The last 0-0 draw between these teams came in the 2009 FA Cup, and United are currently on a five-game winning streak against the Toffees, including two comfortable wins last season with an aggregate score of 5-0.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has a fully fit roster of midfielders and attackers for Sunday’s clash, but there are concerns in defense. Jonny Evans (knock), Victor Lindelof (groin), Harry Maguire (calf), and Leny Yoro (foot) are all questionable.Yoro is nearing the end of his recovery from a summer injury but still needs more time to regain full fitness. If needed, Noussair Mazraoui could once again step in as a makeshift right-sided center-back.
After giving Tyrell Malacia his first minutes since May 2023 during Thursday's Europa League match, Amorim might decide to start Luke Shaw at left wing-back and could also recall Kobbie Mainoo to the midfield.
For Everton, former United player James Garner will miss the chance to face his old team due to a back injury. Seamus Coleman (thigh), Chermiti (ankle), and Tim Iroegbunam (foot) are also unavailable.
Armando Broja, who has been training for over a week after recovering from an Achilles injury, has an outside chance of being in the squad. However, he is unlikely to start over Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Beto.
Calvert-Lewin, despite being Everton’s main striker, is struggling for form. He hasn’t scored in his last eight Premier League games but has started every match this season and is expected to lead the line once again.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Manchester United possible starting lineup:Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez; Dalot, Mainoo, Casemiro, Shaw; Fernandes, Hojlund, Garnacho
Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Doucoure, Gueye; Lindstrom, McNeil, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin
EXPERT PREDICTION
Manchester United 2-0 Everton
With both teams known for their low-scoring games, this match might not be a thrill for neutral fans. However, if anyone finds the winning goal, it’s likely to be the home side.
